Secretary Zinke Announces Recommendation on Idaho’s Craters of the Moon and Washington’s Hanford Reach National Monuments

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho and Hanford Reach National Monument in Washington are no longer under review and the Secretary will recommend that no modifications should be made to the monuments. The monuments were under review in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s April 26, 2017, executive order. The recommendation comes after review of public comments and conversations with stakeholders.

“When the President and I began the monument review process we absolutely realized that not all monuments are the same and that not all monuments would require modifications,” said Secretary Zinke. “Today I’m announcing that the Craters of the Moon and Hanford Reach National Monuments review process has concluded and I am recommending no changes be made to the monuments."

On Craters of the Moon, Secretary Zinke said, “As a former geologist, I realize Craters of the Moon is a living timeline of the geologic history of our land on the Great Rift. Whether it’s hiking up the alien-like lava flows along the Spatter Cones, or just driving through the scenic loop, there’s a lot to see and learn at this historic location.”

On Hanford Reach, Secretary Zinke said, “Sportsmen and women from all over the country go to Hanford Reach for some of the best fishing and bird hunting around. It’s also home to some of the most well-preserved remnants of human history in the area.”

Elk at Hanford Reach National Monument in Washington. Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.